Drainage works on Padi Kuppam Road don’t seem to end, fume residents

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A senior official from CMWSB assured that the integration of the sewer lines will be over
by February

Many parts of Balaji Nagar have roads that are unmotorable

Chennai:

It was only a fortnight ago that the sewer lines on Balaji Nagar’s Padi Kuppam Road were repaired. However, yet again, the roads in the area have been dug up. Savithri R, a resident of the area for more than a decade now, pointed out that the drainage works don’t seem to end in the area.

“Just the other day, they told us the drainage works were completed and the sewer lines were repaired. But in a matter of weeks, we have had an issue with the drinking water mixing with the sewage and there is yet another round of works happening,” she said.

She added that the result has been bad roads and an unbearable stench. The workers have cleared the rubbish and used it to fill undulations in the place leading to the Main Padi Kuppam road, said the residents.

“Many parts of Balaji Nagar have roads that are unmotorable. They must be fixed before rains intensify. Riding on the roads is an absolute nightmare, especially for those with back problems and senior citizens,” she pointed out.

The residents have also alleged that it takes many calls to summon the officials to resolve their issues. “Residents keep engaging workers by themselves to resolve such challenges time and again. We spend a lot on water cans, in addition to the different categories of taxes we are burdened with,” she said. Savithri said she has already bought two water cans costing Rs 80 each, after the fresh round of repairs were informed to the residents. “I don’t know for how long I have to buy these cans,” she said.

A senior official from Chennai Metro Water and Sewerage Board assured that the integration of the sewer lines will be complete by February. “We faced some delays in the sewer works due to the earlier contractor. But we have now taken up the task again to ensure it is completed and integrated in the area. We will ensure that the residents don’t face more issues,” said the source, adding that the area had some of the old sewer lines which were in urgent need of repairs.